Clean status indicator

ABSTRACT

An anchoring system for use with a device having a clean status indicator may include at least one first slide component having at least one slot and at least one second slide component disposed within the at least one slot configured to move in relation to the at least one first slide component along at least a first axis extending along a length of the at least one slot, a second axis extending along a width of the at least one slot, and a third axis extending perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. At least one of the at least one first slide component and the at least one second slide component may be configured to be secured to at least one of the device and a rigid support structure immediately adjacent to the device to allow for a controlled degree of movement of the device along at least the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/822,523 filed on Aug. 10, 2015. The present applicationclaims priority to the proceeding application which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices such as automatic dishwashers are utilized to cleanand sanitize items such as dishes, utensils, and other household itemsplaced within. Such devices utilize an electronic controlled system ofcycles that undertake at least a subset of wash, rinse and dry theobjects placed within. The time required to run through a standardcleaning set of cycles, however, can encompass a substantial time.Therefore, it is unusual for users to sit and wait for the device tofinish. Rather, it is commonplace for users to move onto other taskswhile the device operates. Often, upon returning to the device, a useris left contemplating if it was run or not. Although manual methods suchas feeling for the warmth of the dishes or looking for water pooling onthe top of glasses in the case of a dishwasher may give some indication,it is often difficult to tell if the cleaning cycles were run and thecontents are clean. Moreover, the method is hardly foolproof. Forexample, in the case of a dishwasher, an indication of slightly wetitems may not be very helpful if the objects were rinsed prior to beingloaded into the dishwasher.

Even when a user is aware that the device has completed the cleaningprocess, the process of unloading may become interrupted by other morepressing matters. Upon return, the user may be confronted with apartially loaded device such as a dishwasher and no idea of itsclean/dirty status. Additionally, in large families or shared residencesit is not unknown for an individual to open a device and remove only asubset of the retained items such as a glass, plate, or utensil that isimmediately required. When another individual opens the device, they areagain left attempting to discern the status of the contents. Thetendency is often to simply run the device through another set of cyclesto be safe. This is uneconomical and inefficient.

There have been advances in device designs to monitor the clean/dirtystatus of their contents, but these designs are incorporated into thephysical structure of the new devices. Additionally, they are oftendefeated as soon as the door is opened for initial unloading and do notcapture the concept of partial unloading at a first time and a furtherunloading at a second later time. Moreover, these devices are onlyavailable upon the purchase of a new device. The longevity of devicessuch as dishwashers means that these advances in technology won't findtheir way into the majority of people's kitchens for years to come.There are also products that may be inserted along with the dishes intothe dishwasher washing compartment to indicate status. But similar tothe manual checking described above, they require a physical interactionby the user that may be overlooked.

It may be desirable for an improved status indicator solution that maybe installed and operated on the large number of existing devicespresently operating in the market. It may also be desirable for a statusindicator solution that minimizes user inputs and takes intoconsideration partial unloading of a device contents whether the deviceis new or pre-existing in the marketplace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, exemplary illustrations are shown indetail. Although the drawings represent representative examples, thedrawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may beexaggerated to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of anillustrative example. Further, the exemplary illustrations describedherein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limiting orrestricting to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawingsand disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplaryillustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1a is an exemplary illustration of a dishwasher as a sample devicein accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 1b is an exemplary illustration of the dishwasher illustrated inFIG. 1a in accordance with the prior art, the dishwasher illustrated inan open position;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic of a clean status indicator for adishwasher acting as a sample device;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary illustration of a clean status indicator shown inFIG. 2 illustrated mounted on the exterior door surface of a dishwasher;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary illustration of a weight sensor for use incombination with the clean status indicator shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of an alternate weight sensor foruse in combination with the clean status indicator shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of an alternate weight sensor foruse in combination with the clean status indicator shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of an alternate weight sensor foruse in combination with the clean status indicator shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8A is an exemplary illustration of a side view of a mountingbracket for use in combination with the sample device shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8B is an exemplary illustration of a bottom view of the mountingbracket shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is an exemplary illustration of a top view of the mountingbracket shown in FIG. 8A, with portions removed;

FIG. 9A is a top view of another mounting bracket for use in combinationwith the sample device shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 9B is a bottom view of the mounting bracket illustrated in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is an exemplary illustration of a side view of another mountingbracket for use in combination with the sample device shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 10B is an exemplary illustration of a top view of the mountingbracket illustrated in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is an exemplary illustration of a side view of another mountingbracket for use in combination with the sample device shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 11B is an exemplary illustration of a top view of the mountingbracket illustrated in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary illustration of a bottom view of anothermounting bracket for use in combination with the sample device shown inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 13 is an exemplary illustration of the mounting bracket of FIG. 12used in combination with the sample device shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 14A is an exemplary illustration of a top section view of anothermounting bracket for use in combination with the sample device shown inFIG. 1A.

FIG. 14B is a side view of the mounting bracket illustrated in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary chart of the status logic process for use in theclean status indicator;

FIG. 16 is another exemplary chart of the status logic process for usein the clean status indicator;

FIG. 17 is another exemplary chart of the status logic process for usein the clean status indicator; and

FIG. 18 is another exemplary chart of the status logic process for usein the clean status indicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cleanliness status indicator such as that which may be used with adishwasher or a washing machine is disclosed with the capability to beinstalled using either new devices or pre-existing devices andautomatically indicate the clean/dirty status of the objects within thewashing compartment. Moreover, the disclosed status indicator provides acustomizable sensor system that may be tailored to individual devicesand the habits of the individual users that install or use it. Thedisclosed status indicator further guards against dish removal/loadingerrors twenty-four hours a day by monitoring the dishwasher or washingmachine, without human intervention, to reset the indicator each timecontents from the dishwasher are removed after cleaning or added oncedirty. The disclosed status indicator may account for a full range ofoperator variability of a device such as a dishwasher including, but notlimited to: an operator emptying a full dishwasher in one step byemptying the racks in any sequence; an operator emptying a partialamount of dishes from either or both racks in any order as a result ofoperator interruptions such as the operator answering the telephone,distraction of the operator, vacation of the operator, etc. for anindefinite period of time; an operator opening and closing thedishwasher door repeatedly to remove one or more items within thedishwasher at a time; an operator emptying silverware from a basketwithin the dishwasher or removal of the entire basket containing thesilverware to empty the silverware from the dishwasher; and an operatoremptying dishes directly from the dishwasher racks or removing one orboth racks entirely from the dishwasher and then emptying the dishesfrom the racks. The disclosed status indicator may also guard againstmistakes made by an operator of adding dirty dishes to a dishwashercontaining clean dishes and removal of dirty dishes before the dishesare properly clean. The disclosed clean status indicator may also allowfor variations of speed of the removal of each item within thedishwasher by the operator and may account for multiple operatorsunloading and loading items into the dishwasher at the same time. Thedisclosed clean status indicator clearly identifies both the clean anddirty state of the dishwasher by, for example, two different coloredlight identifiers. The disclosed clean status indicator may also accountfor temperature changes within the environment such as within a house,restaurant, or office building that may lead to misinformation on theclean or dirty status of the dishwasher such as an air conditioner orheating failure. Further, the disclosed clean status indicator correctlyidentifies “rinse and hold cycles” as “dirty” versus completed cleaningcycles as “clean.” The disclosed clean status indicator may furtherinclude backup limits as a fail safe, which may protect the primarylogic within the clean status indicator.

Referring now to FIG. 1a , a device such as a dishwasher 10 as known inthe prior art is shown. The dishwasher 10 is intended for illustrativepurposes only and it is understood that a wide variety of shapes andconfigurations are known. The dishwasher 10 includes a frame 12 with abase 13 having supporting feet 14. Although the supporting feet 14 maycomprise adjustable height feet components, a variety of differingsupporting feet 14 structures are known. The frame 12 defines a washingcompartment 16 in its interior. The dishwasher 10 typically includes adoor 18 having an interior door surface 20 (FIG. 1b ) and an exteriordoor surface 22 (FIG. 1a ). The dishwasher 10 may also include one ormore movable racks 24 that allow for the storage of dishes, utensils,and other household objects for cleaning.

The dishwasher 10 may also include an anchoring system 500 as known inthe prior art to secure the dishwasher 10 to a rigid support structure501 including, but not limited to, a counter or cabinet wall having alower surface 502 immediately adjacent to the top surface 506 and/orside surface of the dishwasher 10. The anchoring system 500 typicallyincludes at least one top bracket 504 secured to the top surface 506 ofthe frame 12 of the dishwasher 10 and may include one or more cornerbrackets, side brackets, side screws, etc. (not shown). The anchoringsystem 500 rigidly secures the dishwasher 10 to the lower surface 502 orside surface of the rigid support structure 501 via at least onemechanical fastener.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary schematic of a clean statusindicator 100 is shown. The status indicator 100 may include acontroller 102 including a status logic 104 embedded therein. Thecontroller 102 may be powered by a power supply 106. In one exemplaryarrangement, the power supply 106 may comprise a user replaceablebattery. In another exemplary arrangement the power supply 106 maycomprise a rechargeable battery. In still another exemplary arrangement,the power supply may comprise a wireless charging power supply. The useof a wireless charging power supply allows the status indicator 100 tobe mounted on an existing dishwasher 10 without requiring ongoingbattery replacement or recharging requirements. The wireless chargingpower supply 106 may be charged utilizing a remote positioned energytransfer unit 108 transferring energy to the power supply 106. In oneexemplary arrangement, the wireless charging power supply 106 mayreceive energy from ambient WIFI signals or similar wireless chargingsystem 110 that are commonly present in most household environments.This may significantly improve the ease of use and reduce maintenance.

The status indicator 100 may also include at least one weight sensor 112in communication with the controller 102. The at least one weight sensor112 is configured to sense the weight of objects within the washingcompartment 16 and changes in weight as objects are inserted and removedfrom the washing compartment 16. In some cases, as discussed below, itmay be desirable to also measure the addition of water to the washingcompartment. In an exemplary arrangement, the weight sensor 112 may be astrain gauge including, but not limited to, a “Micro Load Cell” straingauge. A strain gauge may have a high sensitivity to changes in weight,which may allow the weight sensor 112 to detect subtle changes in weightthat may occur as loading/unloading of dishes, utensils, and otherhousehold objects occurs in the case of a dishwasher. This may improvethe performance and accuracy of the clean status indictor 100. A strongadhesive base may be used to restrict the weight sensor 112 from slidingon the floor, once the weight sensor 112 is secured to the dishwasher10. This may allow for the weight readings to be reproducible andconsistent. Strain gauges may also have low comprehensive error, lownon-linearity, low creep, low temperature effect, and low hysteresiserror with consistent repeatability, which may improve the accuracy ofthe reading from the weight sensor 112. A strain gauge may also includea robust configuration that may allow the weight sensor 112 toaccommodate the total weight of the dishwasher, water within thedishwasher, the weight of the dishes, utensils, and other householdobjects, and a resilience factor/margin above the total weight.

The status indicator 100 may also include at least one temperaturesensor 114 configured to sense a change of temperature of the washingcompartment 16 from a position exterior of the washing compartment 16such as through communication with the exterior door surface 22 of adishwasher 10 or within the washing compartment 16 itself as discussedin an example below. Sensor 114 does not necessarily have to be incontact with the dishwasher 10 so long as the sensor can determine anappropriate change in temperature within washing compartment 16 so thatthe occurrence of an appropriate device cleaning cycle may bedetermined. Thus, it can be positioned away from, but adjacent to thedevice.

In some cases the status indicator 100 may also incorporate a soundsensor 121 that is keyed to identifying when device 10 is active orinactive at the beginning or end of one or more cycles. The sensors maytransmit their respective data either through a wired connection orwirelessly. In an exemplary arrangement, the at least one weight sensor112 transmits weight data wirelessly to the controller 102, the at leastone temperature sensor 114 transmits temperature data to the controller102 through a wired connection and if utilized the sound sensor 121transmits a triggering of a specific device operational sound through awired connection. The weight sensors may comprise either active orpassive sensors. In an exemplary arrangement, one or more of the sensorsmay comprise a passive sensor such as a radio frequency identificationdevice (“RFID”) sensor so that it can be positioned remotely without theneed for an additional power supply.

The status logic 104 within the controller 102 may be configured toreceive the data from each of the sensors. The status logic 104 isconfigured to utilize this data to determine a clean/dirty status 116.The status logic 104 may also be configured to account for varioussituations which may occur as a user loads or empties the device 10including, but not limited to: the speed of opening and closing the door18; position effects of the door 18 on weight if not fully opened orclosed; repetitive opening and closing of the door 18 during removal ofdishes and/or silverware or during loading of one or more dishes and/orsilverware into the dishwasher; the speed of the racks 24 when extendedor retracted and effects of the racks if not fully extended orretracted; the removal of the racks 24 and/or a silverware basket (notshown); the accidental addition of dirty dishes and/or silverware toclean dishes and/or silverware; the impact of various methods ofremoving the silverware; the speed of removing the dishes, utensils,glasses, etc. from the dishwasher 10; partial emptying of the racks; andthe effect bouncing caused from loading and unloading the dishes,utensils, glasses, etc. from the dishwasher 10 has on the weight sensor112. The status logic 104 may also be configured to calculate rates oftemperature change during the washing cycle, rates of temperature changeof the room in which the dishwasher resides, and time it takes to allowand restrict certain events that may occur during the loading,unloading, washing, and resting processes. Based on the above variables,the status logic 104 may account for variability of the program tomaximize accuracy per individual installation. The status logic 104 maydisplay the clean/dirty status 116 on a visual display 118. The visualdisplay 118 may include any of a variety of lights, textual displays,graphical displays, or any variety of known status indicators. In oneexemplary arrangement, the visual display 118 may include a red diodelight and a green diode light. When the output from the status logic 104indicates a clean status, the green light may illuminate and when thestatus logic 104 indicates a dirty status, the red light may illuminate.The controller 102 may also be in communication with a manual override120 element allowing a user to manually set the clean/dirty status 116.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary illustration of one possibleexemplary clean status indicator 100 is shown mounted on the exteriordoor surface 18 of a dishwasher 10. Status indicator does not have to bemounted to the device so long as it still may communicate with itsassociated sensors (e.g., it could be positioned on a kitchencountertop). In the case of new devices, the logic discussed above maybe incorporated into the internal operational mechanism of the devicewith the possible exception of sensors such as a weight sensor 112 andsound sensor 121, which may not exist. With respect to a retrofitapproach as illustrated, the status indicator 100 may include a housing122 that is configured to be adjacent to the washing compartment 16. Inthe illustrated approach involving a retrofitting of an existing devicethe status indicator may be removably mounted to the exterior doorsurface 18. In one arrangement this may include a magnetic attachment.In other exemplary arrangements a removable adhesive attachment may beutilized. The removable mount nature of the housing 122 allows for theease of aftermarket installation on existing dishwashers 10. The housing122 houses the controller 102, the power supply 106 and the visualdisplay 118. In one exemplary arrangement the housing 122 may furtherhold the at least one temperature sensor 114 such that the at least onetemperature sensor contacts or is at least adjacent the exterior doorsurface 18 when the housing 122 is removably mounted so that it canmeasure an appropriate change in temperature. In other exemplaryarrangements, the temperature sensor 114 may be mounted remotely fromthe housing 122 such as in close proximity to weight sensor 112 so longas a change of temperature within the device during operation may bedetermined. Ideally in the case of retrofitting, no penetration into thewashing compartment 16 takes place although with new dishwashers, it isanticipated that information from a pre-existing sensor 114 may be usedfor the additional information gathering discussed herein. Similarly, asound sensor 121 may be used when appropriate so long as it is able toidentify when device 10 is active or inactive to signal completion orstarting of one or more cleaning cycles. Sensor 121 may be withinhousing 122 or remote from it.

Nevertheless, in the disclosed exemplary retrofitting arrangement theweight sensor 112 is positioned remotely and communicates either throughan associated wire or wirelessly with the controller 102. The manualoverride element 120 may be positioned on the housing 122 and includeseparate clean override 124 and dirty override 126 controls to allow auser to manually set the clean/dirty status 116 of the dishwasher'scontents. In addition, a control surface 127 that can include button andinputs may be included to allow the user to input settings and/or toreset the device 10.

Referring now to FIG. 4, which is an exemplary illustration of aremovable weight sensor 112 for use with the controller 102 illustratedin FIG. 3. The weight sensor 112 may be positioned underneath one, morethan one, or all of the supporting feet 14 of a dishwasher 10. Asillustrated, the weight sensor 112, which may be a strain gauge, isdisposed between a bottom surface of at least one supporting foot 14 ofthe device 10 and the ground. The use of a strain gauge as the weightsensor 112 may also allow the weight sensor 112 to be fit between thebottom surface of the at least one supporting foot 14 of the device 10and the ground without restriction by surrounding structures such as thefront metal toe plate, the immediately adjacent dishwasher frame 12,and/or cabinets. The compact thickness of the strain gauge may alsoallow for minimal to no vertical displacement of the dishwasher 10during placement of the weight sensor 112 underneath the supporting foot14.

If two feet are used, it may more accurately reflect the change inweight. The weight sensor 112 may wirelessly communicate weight data tothe controller 102 for use by the status logic 104. In one exemplaryarrangement, the weight sensor 112 is a passive sensor such that it doesnot require its own power supply. Alternatively sensor 112 may beincorporated into the base 13 of the device. For example, supportingfeet 14 may comprise a portion of base 13 and as illustrated in FIG. 5,the weight sensor 112 may comprise a sensor formed as an insert washer128 mounted directly onto the supporting feet 14 of a dishwasher 10 asopposed to under the base and under the feet as illustrated in FIG. 4.In still another exemplary arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6, the weightsensor 112 may be incorporated into a replacement foot element 130configured to replace one or more feet of a dishwasher 10 in the case ofretrofitting. In yet another exemplary arrangement, the weight sensor112 may be a strain gauge with an attached cup which may hold a foot 14of the dishwasher 10.

In still another exemplary arrangement as illustrated in FIG. 7, theweight sensor 112 may be incorporated into one or more of the movableracks 24 within the dishwasher. The racks 24 are configured to receiveobjects to be cleaned by the device and the weight sensor may adjust forthe addition and subtraction of objects to the rack. Additionally orseparately, if such a sensor 112 is utilized within the washingcompartment 16, a temperature sensor 114 and/or a sound sensor 121 mayalso be used in the same location and as part of the same sensor unit,particularly if information is going to be transmitted wirelessly tocontroller 102 in the case of retrofitting to avoid physical penetrationbetween the outer and inner portions of the device.

The dishwasher 10 may typically be in one of three states. In a firststate, the operator may load or unload one or more dishes, glasses,silverware, etc. into or from the washing compartment 16 of thedishwasher 10. In the first state, the operator may open and close thedoor 18 of the dishwasher 10 and may retract/push in one or more racks24. In the second state, the dishwasher 10 may be operating a cleancycle to clean the contents within the washing compartment 16. In athird state, the dishwasher 10 may be at rest. With the traditionalrigid anchoring systems 500, movement of the dishwasher 10 is restrictedsuch that the status indicator is unable to detect various events thatmay occur during the first state and the second state such as opening ofthe dishwasher 10 door, movement of the racks 24, or operating of thedishwasher 10. This may lead to inaccurate and/or inconsistent readingsfrom the sensors, which may result in mixed readings, errors, ormalfunction of the status indicator.

In the exemplary arrangement, the anchoring system may be configured toallow for minimal controlled fore/aft movement of the forward topportion 509 of the dishwasher 10 along a first axis 700, minimal lateralmovement along a second axis 702 perpendicular to the first axis 700,and minimal superior/inferior movement along a third axis 704perpendicular to both the first axis 704 and the second axis 702 (FIG.1A). In one exemplary approach, the movement along the second axis 702and the third axis 704 may be less than the movement allowed along thefirst axis 700. In another exemplary approach, the permitted movementalong the first axis 700 may be the greatest followed by permittedmovement along axis 704 and then the least movement being permittedalong axis 702. It is generally envisioned, however, that at leastminimal movement is allowed along all three axes (even though it may bedesirable to permit more movement along a particular axis) so that thestatus indicator properly receives the necessary inputs to detect thevarious events noted above and as discussed in more detail below. Thefirst axis 700 may coincide with the direction the door 18 of thedishwasher 10 opens/closes and the direction the racks 24 arepushed/pulled in. The second axis 702 may coincide with lateral movementof the dishwasher 10 resulting from uneven loading of dishes,silverware, glasses, etc. or movement of the dishwasher 10 during acleaning cycle. The third axis 704 may coincide with the direction ofthe dishwasher 10 resulting from bouncing of one or more racks 24 duringloading and unloading of the dishwasher 10 and/or movement during thecleaning cycle. The controlled movement of the dishwasher 10 in relationto the rigid support structure 501 may allow for linear shifting of thedishwasher 10 from the back feet/foot 14 to the front feet/foot 14 in auniform and consistent manner during various events such as opening andclosing of the dishwasher door 10, movement of the racks 24, andoperation of the dishwasher 10. The exemplary anchoring system may alsoallow for minimal movement along the second axis 702 allowing the weightsensors 112 to detect a shift in the weight of the dishwasher 10 such aswhen the washing compartment 16 is unloaded unevenly or weight shiftsduring a cleaning cycle. Further, the exemplary anchoring system mayalso allow for minimal movement along the third axis 704 allowing theweight sensors 112 to detect bouncing of the racks 24 duringloading/unloading and/or bouncing during a cleaning cycle. The threedimensional range of motion provided by the exemplary anchoring systemmay provide accuracy and consistency in the readings of the sensors andin particular the weight sensors 112 for optimal performance of theclean status indicator 100 while safely securing the dishwasher 10 inposition. The exemplary mounting system may intentionally giveadditional play/movement along the first axis 700, and minimal movementalong the second axis 702 and the third axis 704 through the use of atleast one slot in at least one sliding component such as a bracket,which would not be obtainable with for example, merely a loose fastenerin a hole of a mounting bracket known in the art. The exemplary mountingsystem may allow for at least ⅛^(th) of an inch and up to 1 inch offore/aft movement while also allowing for minimal lateral andsuperior/inferior movement.

The exemplary mounting systems may include at least one first slidecomponent 512 (composed of 514, 520, 518, 522, 516), 544, 804 and mayinclude at least one second slide component 536, 540 558, 800. The firstslide component 512, 544, 804 may include at least one slot 530, 532,534, 546, 802, having a length extending along the first axis 700. Thesecond slide component 536, 540, 558, 800 may be disposed within theslot 530, 532, 534, 546, 802 such that the first slide component 512,544, 804 and the second slide component 536, 540, 558, 800 are moveablein relation to each other. At least one of the at least one first slidecomponent 512, 544, 804 and the at least one second slide component 536,540, 558, 800 may be secured to at least one of the device 10 and therigid support structure 501 immediately adjacent the device 10.

In one exemplary arrangement as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9B,the at least one first slide component and the at least one second slidecomponent may comprise a moveable mounting bracket 510. The moveablemounting bracket 510 may be secured to a rigid support structure 501such as a cabinet wall or counter having a lower surface 502 immediatelyadjacent to the top surface 506 of the dishwasher 10 or to a sidesurface of the dishwasher 10. The at least one first slide component ofthe moveable mounting bracket 510 may include a first plate 512 that mayinclude a first leg 514, a second leg 516, a third leg 518 steppedbetween the first leg 514 and the second leg 516, a first lip 520 thatextends between the first leg 514 and the third leg 518, and a secondlip 522 that extends between the second leg 516 and the third leg 518(FIG. 8A). The first lip 520 and the second lip 522 may each have alength less than the length of each of the first leg 514, the second leg516, and the third leg 518. In the exemplary arrangement illustrated inFIG. 8A, the first lip 520 may extend from the first leg 514 to thethird leg 518 at an approximately 90 degree angle and the second lip 522may extend from the second leg 516 to the third leg 518 at anapproximately 90 degree angle, however, the first lip 520 and the secondlip 522 may extend at any angle that may provide a step between thethird leg 518 and the first leg 514 and the second leg 516. In theexemplary arrangement, the first leg 514 may include at least one firstopening 524 defined therein, and the second leg 516 may include at leastone second opening 526 defined therein, configured to each accommodate amechanical fastener (not shown) such as a bolt or a screw. Themechanical fastener may be used to attach the moveable mounting bracket510 to the lower surface 502 of the rigid support structure 501. In theexemplary arrangement of FIGS. 8B and 9A-9B, the first opening 524 maybe circular (FIG. 8B) or a slot (FIGS. 9A-9B) and positionedapproximately central of the first leg 514, and the second opening 526may be circular (FIG. 8B) or a slot (FIGS. 9A-9B) and positionedapproximately central of the second leg 516, however, one or moreopenings 524, 526 of any configuration may be in any appropriatelocation on the first leg 514 and the second leg 516. In anothervariation, the first leg 514 and the second leg 516 may not have anyopenings 524, 526 and an adhesive and/or welding may be used to attachthe first plate 512 to the rigid structure 501. The third leg 518 mayinclude a first slot 530 defined therein approximately central of thethird leg 518. The first slot 530 may be positioned in relation to thedishwasher 10 so that the length of the first slot 530 extends along thefirst axis 700.

The at least one second slide component of the moveable mounting bracket510 may include a second plate 536, adjacent an upper surface 519 of thethird leg 518 of the first plate 512 (FIG. 8A), and at least one pin540. In another exemplary arrangement, the second plate 536 may beadjacent a lower surface 606 of the third leg 518 (FIG. 9B). The secondplate 536 and the third leg 518 of the first plate 512 may besubstantially equivalent in shape and size. The second plate 536 mayinclude a first opening 538 defined therein approximately central of thesecond plate 536 configured to accommodate the at least one pin 540. Inan alternate exemplary arrangement, the pin 540 may be secured directlyto the second plate 536 in a number of variations including, but notlimited to, welding and/or an adhesive. The pin 540 may be configured toaccommodate a mechanical fastener such as a screw.

In another exemplary arrangement, the configuration of the third leg 518and the second plate 536 may be reversed so that the second plate 536may include the first slot 530 defined therein approximately central ofthe second plate 536.

In the exemplary arrangement, the pin 540 may extend within the firstopening 538 and within the first slot 530. The outer periphery of thepin 540 and the outer periphery of the first slot 530 may be configuredso that there is a slight gap or clearance between the outer peripheryof the pin 540 and the inner periphery of the first slot 530 to reducefriction that may occur during movement of the pin 540 within the firstslot 530 along the first axis 700 and may also allow for a degree ofmovement along the second axis 702 and the third axis 704, with thedegree of movement along the first axis 700 being greater than thedegree of movement along the second axis 702 and the third axis 704.

The pin 540 may be secured to an existing top bracket 504 (FIG. 1A) onthe top surface 506 of the dishwasher 10 or to a side bracket attachedto a side surface of the dishwasher 10 (not illustrated) via amechanical fastener to allow for the subtle rocking of the dishwasher10.

In one exemplary arrangement, the third leg 518 may also include asecond slot 532 and a third slot 534 positioned on opposing sides of thefirst slot 530 and defined within the third leg 518 (FIG. 8B). Thesecond slot 532 and the third slot 534 may have the same width andlength, and may be greater in length than the first slot 530 or may beof various widths and lengths. The second plate 536 may include at leasttwo second openings 542 defined therein offset from the first opening538 configured to accommodate at least one mechanical fastener 528 (FIG.8C), such as a bolt or screw. A first and second mechanical fastener 528may extend through the second openings 542 and through the second slot532 and the third slot 534, respectively, to moveably secure the secondplate 536 to the first plate 512. In another exemplary arrangement, theconfiguration of the third leg 518 and the second plate 536 may bereversed so that the second plate 536 may include the second slot 532and the third slot 534. The outer periphery of the mechanical fasteners528 and the inner periphery of the second and third slots 532, 534 mayalso be configured so that there is a slight gap or clearance betweenthe outer periphery of the second and third slots 532, 534 that mayreduce friction between the mechanical fasteners 528 and the second andthird slots 532, 534 along the first axis 700. The gap between themechanical fasteners 528 and the slots 532, 534 may also provide adegree of give along the second axis 702 and the third axis 704. The useof the second slot 532 and the third slot 534 may further ensure thecontrolled substantially linear movement of the dishwasher 10 along thefirst axis 700 while restricting lateral movement along the second axis702. While the use of two additional slots 532, 534 are illustrated, itis noted that any number of additional slots may be used to ensure thelinear movement of the dishwasher 10.

In another exemplary arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9B, the secondplate 536 may be adjacent a lower surface 606 of the third leg 518 sothat the additional slots 532, 534 may be removed and the first lip 520and the second lip 522 may ensure the linear movement along the firstaxis 700 as well as a degree of give along the second axis 702, andthird axis 704.

In another exemplary arrangement as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B, thefirst slide component may include at least one “L” shaped mountingbracket 544 including an adjustment slot 546 defined therein and thesecond slide component may comprise a mechanical fastener (notillustrated) such as a bolt or a screw. The length of the adjustmentslot 546 may be positioned along the first axis 700. The “L” shapedmounting bracket 544 may include a first leg 548 and a second leg 550substantially perpendicular to the first leg 548. The second leg 550 mayinclude a length significantly shorter than the length of the first leg548. The adjustment slot 546 may be defined within the first leg 548 sothat the adjustment slot 546 is surrounded by the first leg 548. Inanother variation, the adjustment slot 546 may extend through an end 600of the first leg 548 (FIG. 12). The adjustment slot 546 may allow forattachment of the “L” shaped mounting bracket 544 to a variety ofdishwasher 10 configurations as the adjustment slot 546 allows for theattachment of the “L” shaped bracket 544 to the rigid support structure501 and/or surface of the dishwasher 10 in various positions. In a firstexemplary arrangement, the “L” shaped mounting bracket 544 may berigidly secured to the rigid support structure 501 via at least onemechanical fastener, such as a bolt or screw. The “L” shaped mountingbracket 544 may also be secured to the top surface 506 of the dishwasher10 such as between a gap 552 (FIG. 1A) defined between an upper forwardflange 554 of the frame 12 of the dishwasher 10 and an intermediateflange 556 of the dishwasher 10 behind the upper-forward flange 554 or agap defined on a side surface of the dishwasher 10 (not illustrated).The “L” shape of the mounting bracket 544 may allow the second leg 550to move along the first axis 700, the second axis 702, and the thirdaxis 704 within the gap 552 allowing for the dishwasher 10 to movethree-dimensionally in relation to the rigid support structure 501.

In another exemplary arrangement, the “L” shaped mounting bracket 544may be rigidly attached to the dishwasher 10 such as onto or between anupper forward flange 554 of the frame 12 of the dishwasher 10, onto orbetween a side flange and/or gap defined within a side surface of thedishwasher 10 (not illustrated), and/or one or more boxes or blocks (notillustrated). The mechanical fastener (not shown) may extend through theslot 546 and may be used to attach the “L” shaped mounting bracket 544to the lower surface 502 of the rigid support structure 501. The outerperiphery of the mechanical fastener and the inner periphery of theadjustment slot 546 may be configured so that there is a gap orclearance between the mechanical fastener and the adjustment slot 546 toreduce friction that may occur between the mechanical fastener and theadjustment slot 546 and may allow for a degree of movement of the slot546 in relation to the mechanical fastener along the first axis 700, thesecond axis 702, and the third axis 704, with the degree of movementbeing greatest along the first axis 700.

In another exemplary arrangement, the “L” shaped mounting bracket 544may be adjustably secured to both the rigid support structure 501 and atop surface 506 or side surface of the dishwasher 10. A mechanicalfastener (not shown), such as a bolt or screw, may extend through theslot 546 and may be used to attach the “L” shaped mounting bracket 544to the lower surface 502 of the rigid support structure 501. The outerperiphery of the mechanical fastener and the inner periphery of theadjustment slot 546 may be configured so that there is a gap orclearance between the mechanical fastener and the adjustment slot 546 toreduce friction that may occur between the mechanical fastener and theadjustment slot 546 along the first axis 700. The gap or clearance mayalso provide a degree of give along the second axis 702 and the thirdaxis 704. The “L” shaped mounting bracket 544 may also be secured to thetop surface 506 of the dishwasher 10 such as between a gap 552 (FIG. 1A)defined between an upper forward flange 554 of the frame 12 of thedishwasher 10 and an intermediate flange 556 of the dishwasher 10 behindthe upper-forward flange 554 or attached to either of those flanges orany upper flange and/or a flange or gap on a side surface of thedishwasher 10 (not illustrated). The “L” shape of the mounting bracket544 may allow the second leg 550 to move along the first axis 700, thesecond axis 702, and the third axis 704 within the gap 552. Theadjustable slot 546 and the “L” shape of the mounting bracket 544 mayallow for the dishwasher 10 to move three-dimensionally in relation tothe rigid support structure 501.

In another exemplary arrangement, the first leg 548 of the first “L”shaped mounting bracket 544 may be secured to the at least one pin 540of the moveable mounting bracket 510 as discussed above and illustratedin FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9B via a mechanical fastener, such as a screw,instead of directly to the rigid support structure 501.

In yet another exemplary arrangement as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B,12, and 13, the at least one first slide component may comprise thefirst “L” shaped mounting bracket 544, as described above andillustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B, and a second “L” shaped mounting bracket558 adjustably secured to the first “L” shaped mounting bracket 544 andthe second slide component may comprise a mechanical fastener 602 (FIGS.12 and 13), such as a bolt or a screw. The first leg 548 of the first“L” shaped mounting bracket 544 may further include an opening or slot560 defined therein configured to accommodate a mechanical fastener 562,such as a bolt or screw, and to allow adjustment of the position of thesecond “L” shaped mounting bracket 558 in relation to the first “L”shaped mounting bracket 544. The second “L” shaped mounting bracket 558may include a first leg 564 and a second leg 566 that may extendsubstantially perpendicular to the first leg 564. The second leg 566 mayinclude a length slightly less than the length of the second leg 550 ofthe first “L” shape mounting bracket 544. The first leg 564 of thesecond “L” shaped mounting bracket 558 may further include an opening568 defined therein configured to accommodate a mechanical fastener 562.The second “L” shaped mounting bracket 558 may be positioned so that anouter surface 570 of the second “L” shaped mounting bracket 558 faces aninner surface 572 of the first “L” shaped mounting bracket 544. Amechanical fastener 562 may extend through the openings 560, 568 in thefirst “L” shaped mounting bracket 544 and the second “L” shaped mountingbracket 558 to adjustably secure the first “L” shaped mounting bracket544 and the second “L” shaped mounting bracket 558 together. The first“L” shaped mounting bracket 544 and the second “L” shaped mountingbracket 558 may be configured so that when they are secured together, aninner surface 572 of the second leg 550 of the first “L” shaped mountingbracket 544 and an outer surface 570 of the second leg 566 of the second“L” shaped mounting bracket 558 define a gap 574. The gap 574 betweenthe first “L” shaped mounting bracket 544 and the second “L” shapedmounting bracket 558 may allow the first “L” shaped mounting bracket 544and the second “L” shaped mounting bracket 558 to fit onto a top surface506 of the dishwasher 10, such as the upper-forward flange 554 of theframe 12 of the dishwasher 10 or a flange and/or gap defined within aside surface of the device 10 (not illustrated), to secure the “L”shaped mounting bracket 558 to the dishwasher 10. A mechanical fastener602 may extend through the adjustment slot 546 in the first “L” shapedmounting bracket 544 to secure the first “L” shaped mounting bracket 544to the lower surface 502 of rigid support structure 501 (FIG. 13). Theouter periphery of the mechanical fastener 602 and the inner peripheryof the adjustment slot 546 may be configured so that there is a gap orclearance between the mechanical fastener 602 and the adjustment slot546 to reduce friction that may occur between the mechanical fastener602 and the adjustment slot 546 along the first axis 700. The gap orclearance may also provide a degree of give along the second axis 702and third axis 704.

In another exemplary arrangement, the first “L” shaped mounting bracket544 may be alternately secured to the pin 540 of the moveable mountingbracket 510 as discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C and 9A-9Bvia the mechanical fastener 602, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

In yet another exemplary arrangement, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14B,the at least one first slide component may comprise a bracket 804 andthe at least one second slide component may comprise an “L” shapedbracket 800. The “L” shaped bracket 800 may act as the slidingcomponent, which moves within a slot 802 defined within the bracket 804.The “L” shaped bracket 800 may include a first leg 806 and a second leg808 substantially perpendicular to the first leg 806 at a free end ofthe first leg. The second leg 808 may include a length significantlyshorter than the length of the first leg 806. The first leg 806 mayinclude a first cutout 810 and a second cutout 812 opposite of the firstcutout 810 so that a middle section 814 of the first leg 806 includes awidth less than a width of an end portion 816, 820 of the first leg 806.A second “L” shaped bracket 818 may be adjustably secured to a first end820 of the first leg 806 as similarly discussed above and illustrated inthe exemplary arrangement of FIGS. 11A and 11B. The bracket 804 maydefine a slot or channel 802, which may accommodate a portion of thefirst “L” shaped bracket 800. In the exemplary arrangement illustratedin FIG. 14B, the bracket 804 may include a top wall 822, a bottom wall824 opposite of the top wall 822, and a side wall 826 at a first end 828of the top wall 822 and the bottom wall 824. A gap 830 may be definedbetween the top wall 822 and the bottom wall 824 and may accommodate aportion of the first “L” shaped bracket 800. At least one supportstructures 832, such as rods, pins, bolts, or screws, may extend betweenthe top wall 822 and the bottom wall 824 and may further define a slotor channel 834 for the middle section 814 of the “L” shaped bracket 800to move within. The side wall 826 of the bracket 804 may act as a stopfor the second end 816 of the first “L” shaped bracket 800 along thefirst axis 700. The first “L” shaped bracket 800 and the second “L”shaped bracket 818 may be rigidly secured to a top surface 506 of thedishwasher 10 and the bracket 804 may be rigidly secured to a lowersurface 502 of the rigid support structure 501 so that the slot 802 ispositioned along the first axis 700. The outer periphery of the middlesection 814 of the first “L” shaped bracket 800 and the channel 834defined by the support structures 832 may be configured so that there isa gap or clearance between the middle section 814 of the “L” shapedbracket 800 and the channel 834 to reduce friction that may occur as thefirst “L” shaped bracket 800 moves within the channel 834. The channel834 may allow for movement of the first “L” shaped bracket 800 along thefirst axis 700 and also may provide a minimal degree of give along thesecond axis 702 and the third axis 704. The above exemplary arrangementis for illustrative purposes only, and it is noted that any number ofconfigurations of brackets may be used that allow for the piston typemovement of the brackets without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

The above anchoring systems may be incorporated into new dishwashers orpre-existing anchoring systems. The above configurations of the variousanchoring systems alone or in combination allow for three-dimensionalmovement of a variety of dishwasher designs using a clean sensorindicating system. It is noted that the above anchoring systems arediscussed for illustrative purposes only and any number of anchoringsystem configurations having a slot may be used to provide movement ofthe dishwasher 10 along the first axis 700, and minimal movement alongthe second axis 702 and the third axis 704.

FIG. 15 is an exemplary chart of the status logic 104 for use in theclean status indicator 100. The process 200 includes receivingtemperature data 202 from the at least one temperature sensor 114. Thedata is evaluated to determine a dishwasher operating event 204. Atemperature decision 206 is made by determining if a change oftemperature is greater than a predetermined threshold and if theoperating event is not found the process is restarted. If the operatingevent is found, the clean/dirty status is set to clean 208. In practice,the change in temperature is expected to be greater than an expectedchange in ambient temperature. While in many situations the temperaturemay increase since hot water aids in cleaning, in other cases thetemperature may go down as with the use of cold water in an energysaving mode. The process 200 then receives weight data from the at leastone weight sensor 210. The data is evaluated to determine if thedishwasher has been emptied 212. A weight decision 214 is made bycomparing the weights to determine if a threshold has been met. If thedishwasher has not been emptied the process 200 continues to monitorweight 210. If the dishwasher has been emptied the clean/dirty status isset to dirty 216 and the process 200 is restarted. The temperature dataevaluation 204 and the weight data evaluation 212 may comprise simpledelta changes in values or may implement more complex calculations.Additionally, calibrations are anticipated such that a first base weightprovided to controller 102 may be an empty weight of the device while asecond base weight provided to the controller 102 before a change oftemperature may be the full weight of the device with objects to becleaned. Similarly, an initial temperature may be an ambienttemperature.

In some situations an additional weight decision may be used in place ofor as a supplement to temperature decision 206 as part of status logic104 as illustrated in FIG. 15. In the illustration that follows it isassumed that weight sensor 112 is able to compare the weight of theentire device during operation as opposed to being associated withmovable racks 24 as illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, as shown by wayof exemplary process 250 in FIG. 16, the controller is told that thedishes are “dirty” 252. This determination may be done manually usingmanual override 120 or automatically by way of step 266 as discussedbelow.

An initial base weight is evaluated as shown by weight data evaluation254 before the device cycles commence, but after the device is “full”.Potentially, weight is recorded after a mechanical noise such as thestarting of a device motor is recorded 253 by way of an additionalsensor, sound sensor 121 right at the beginning of a first operationalcycle for cleaning objects contained within the washing compartment 16.In the case of a device having a device status indicator 100 integratedwhen originally constructed or in the case of some retrofittingapproaches, the base weight may be measured when one hits the “start”button and no sound sensor 121 may be necessary. Water is added towashing compartment 16 as part of at least one cleaning cycle andremoved. The change of weight is received at block 256 wherein theweight of the added water is greater than the initial base weight. Thefact that the weight changed beyond a first object weight threshold thatreflects an increase of weight from the base weight when water is addedmay be recorded as shown at decision point 258 and an identificationthat the device has been subjected to one or more cycles captured by thecontroller 102. The visual display 118 may be updated at 259 bycontroller 102 for changing the status from “Dirty” to “Clean” Then theprocess continues as with FIG. 16 such that it captures when the weightof items within the washing compartment 16 fall below a threshold levelrepresenting a second object weight threshold as shown by receivingweight data at block 260, evaluating the weight data as shown at block262, and then determining if the drop in weight from the initial baseweight is greater than a threshold level as shown at decision point 264.If the device has been emptied the clean/dirty status is set to “Dirty”266 by way of controller 102 and the process 250 is restarted. In thisapproach the increase in weight of the device based on an initial baseweight identifies that a cycle has commenced and the decrease in weightof the device based on the initial base weight identifies that thedevice has been emptied of the cleaned objects and is ready to be filledagain for cleaning.

Referring now to FIG. 17, which is another exemplary chart of the statuslogic 104 for use in the device status indicator 100. The process 300includes receiving temperature data from the at least one temperaturesensor 302. The data is compared to a preset operating temperaturethreshold to determine a device operating event 304. In one exemplaryarrangement the preset operating temperature threshold is set by themanufacturer. In another exemplary arrangement the preset operatingtemperature threshold is owner defined. This may be accomplished throughthe control surface 127. The owner may manually enter a value, or maysimply hold down a portion of the control surface 127 while the deviceis operating to set the preset operating temperature threshold. Atemperature decision 306 is made and if the preset operating temperaturethreshold has not been exceeded the process is restarted. If the presetoperating temperature threshold has been exceeded, the clean/dirtystatus is set to clean 308. The process 300 then receives weight datafrom the at least one weight sensor 310. The data is compared to apreset object weight threshold to determine if the device has beenemptied 312. A weight decision 314 is made and if the weight data is notbelow the preset object weight threshold the process 300 continues tomonitor weight 310. If the weight data is less than the preset objectweight threshold the clean/dirty status is set to dirty 316 and theprocess 300 is restarted. In one exemplary arrangement the preset objectweight threshold is set by the manufacturer. In another exemplaryarrangement the preset object weight threshold is owner defined. Theowner may manually enter a value, or may simply hold down a portion ofthe control surface 127 while the device is either empty or full of adesired minimum number of objects. This allows a user to accommodate aminimum number of dishes that may not have been adequately cleaned whilestill allowing the process 300 to set the clean/dirty status to dirty316. Additionally, it further allows the user to partially unload thedevice and still have the process 300 maintain the clean/dirty status asclean 308 as long as the weight data remains above the preset objectweight threshold.

Referring now to FIG. 18, which is another exemplary chart of the statuslogic 104 for use in the device status indicator 100. The process 400includes receiving temperature data from the at least one temperaturesensor 402. The data is compared to a preset operating temperaturethreshold to determine a device operating event 404. A maximumtemperature may be stored during this process 405. The preset operatingtemperature may be set by the manufacturer or by the user as previouslydescribed. A temperature decision 406 is made and if the presetoperating temperature threshold has not been exceeded the process 400receives data from the manual override 407. The process 400 determinesif a manual override indicates a clean status 409. If the manualoverride indicates that the user has assigned a clean status even thoughthe preset operating temperature threshold has not been exceeded thepreset operating temperature 411 is lowered and the process isrestarted. In one exemplary arrangement the preset operating temperaturemay be incrementally decreased. In this example, the status indicator100 will slowly adapt to the individual characteristics of the usersparticular device. In another exemplary arrangement, the presetoperating temperature may be decreased to the maximum temperature stored405. In this example, the user need only make a single manual overrideafter installation to set the status indicator 100 to match the user'sparticular device.

If the preset operating temperature threshold has been exceeded, theclean/dirty status is set to clean 408. The process 400 then receivesweight data from the at least one weight sensor 410. The data iscompared to a preset object weight threshold to determine if the devicehas been emptied 412. A minimum weight may be stored 413 during thisprocess. A weight decision 414 is made and if the weight data is notbelow the preset object weight threshold the process 400 receives datafrom the manual override 415. The process 400 determines if a manualoverride indicates a dirty status 417. If the manual override indicatesthat the user has assigned a dirty status even though the preset objectweight threshold has been exceeded the preset object weight threshold419 is raised and the process is restarted. In one exemplary arrangementthe preset operating temperature may be incrementally increased. In thisexample, the status indicator 100 will slowly adapt to the individualcharacteristics of the users particular device as well as thecharacteristics of the user. If a user occasionally leaves one or twodishes or several pieces or silverware, the status indicator 100 willadapt to still set the status to dirty. In another exemplaryarrangement, the preset object weight threshold may be set to the storedminimum weight. In this example, a user need only make a single manualoverride after installation to set the status indicator to match theuser's particular device or tailor it to their habits.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description isintended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments andapplications other than the examples provided would be apparent uponreading the above description. For example, sound sensor 121 may be usedin other approaches other than that discussed for FIG. 16 to provide anadditional indication that at least one cleaning cycle has commenced andto permit the calibration of weights and temperatures from sensors 112and 114 that are then compared with thresholds. The scope should bedetermined, not with reference to the above description, but shouldinstead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It isanticipated and intended that future developments will occur in thetechnologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems andmethods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, itshould be understood that the application is capable of modification andvariation.

All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadestreasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood bythose knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless anexplicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, useof the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be readto recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recitesan explicit limitation to the contrary.

It should be understood that the controller 102 and the status logic 104may include computer-executable instructions such as the instructions ofthe software applications on a processor, where the instructions may beexecutable by one or more computing devices. In general, a processor(e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions (e.g., from a memory), anon-transitory computer-readable medium, etc., and executes theseinstructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one ormore of the processes described herein. Such instructions and other datamay be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readablemedia. Computing systems and/or devices generally includecomputer-executable instructions, where the instructions may beexecutable by one or more devices such as those listed below.Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted fromcomputer programs created using a variety of programming languagesand/or technologies, including, without limitation, and either alone orin combination, Java™, C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, etc. Thecontroller 102 and the status logic 104 may take many different formsand include multiple and/or alternate components and facilities. Indeed,additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used,and thus the above controller examples should not be construed aslimiting.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claimsare hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clean status indicator anchoring system for usewith and on a dishwasher, the dishwasher including a frame with a base,and a washing compartment within the frame, the clean status indicatoranchoring system comprising: at least one weight sensor configured toremovably mount to the dishwasher externally of the washing compartmentof the dishwasher, the weight sensor configured to sense the weight ofobjects within the washing compartment; at least one temperature sensorconfigured to monitor the temperature within the washing compartment; ahousing having a visual display configured to removably mount to alocation external of the frame, the visual display is operable forconveying a clean/dirty status of objects within the washingcompartment; a controller positioned within the housing, the controllerhaving a control logic and a status logic in operative communicationwith a power supply, the at least one weight sensor, the at least onetemperature sensor, and the visual display, wherein the controller isoperable for monitoring the clean/dirty status of objects within thewashing using the at least one weight sensor and the at least onetemperature sensor and sending data to the visual display; at least onefirst slide component having at least one slot defined therein; at leastone second slide component disposed within the at least one slotconfigured to move in relation to the at least one first slide componentalong at least a first axis extending along a length of the at least oneslot, a second axis extending along a width of the at least one slot,and a third axis extending perpendicular to the first axis and thesecond axis; and wherein at least one of the at least one first slidecomponent and the at least one second slide component is configured tobe secured to at least one of the dishwasher and a rigid supportstructure immediately adjacent to the dishwasher to allow for acontrolled degree of movement of the dishwasher along at least the firstaxis, the second axis, and the third axis.
 2. The clean status indicatoranchoring system of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot isconstructed and arranged to allow for a first degree of movement alongthe first axis, a second degree of movement along the second axis, and athird degree of movement along the third axis, and wherein the firstdegree of movement is greater than the second degree of movement and thethird degree of movement.
 3. The clean status indicator anchoring systemof claim 2, wherein an inner periphery of the at least one slot and anouter periphery of the at least one second slide component areconfigured to form a clearance between the at least one slot and the atleast one second slide component to allow for lateral movement of the atleast one second slide component within the slot along the second axisto provide the second degree of movement of the dishwasher along thesecond axis.
 4. The clean status indicator anchoring system of claim 3,wherein the clearance between the at least one slot and the at least onesecond slide component further allows for superior and inferior movementof the at least one second slide component within the slot along thethird axis to provide the third degree of movement of the dishwasheralong the third axis.
 5. The clean status indicator anchoring system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one first slide component furthercomprises at least one second slot defined therein, wherein the at leastone second slot is parallel to the at least one first slot.
 6. The cleanstatus indicator anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the at least oneslot comprises at least a first slot, a second slot, and a third slot,wherein the first slot, the second slot, and the third slot areparallel, and wherein the at least one second slide component comprisesat least a first mechanical fastener, a second mechanical fastener, anda third mechanical fastener, and wherein the first mechanical fasteneris disposed within the first slot, the second mechanical fastener isdisposed within the second slot, and the third mechanical fastener isdisposed within the third slot.
 7. The clean status indicator anchoringsystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one first slide componentcomprises a moveable mounting bracket having a first plate and a secondplate moveably secured to the first plate, wherein the first plateincludes a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg stepped between thefirst leg and the second leg, and the second plate is adjacent the thirdleg, and wherein the at least one slot is defined within one of thethird leg or the second plate and the at least one second slidecomponent comprises at least one pin.
 8. The clean status indicatoranchoring system of claim 7, wherein the second plate is adjacent anunderside of the third leg between a first lip extending between thefirst leg and the third leg and a second lip between the second leg andthe third leg.
 9. The clean status indicator anchoring system of claim7, wherein the at least one first slide component further comprises an“L” shaped bracket secured to the movable mounting bracket, the “L”shaped mounting bracket having a first leg and a second legperpendicular to the first leg, wherein the first leg has a first lengthand the second leg has a second length less than the first length,wherein at least one second slot is defined within the first leg, andwherein the at least one pin is further disposed within the at least onesecond slot.
 10. The clean status indicator anchoring system of claim 7,wherein the at least one first slide component further comprises a first“L” shaped bracket having a first leg and a second leg perpendicular tothe first leg, the first leg having a first length and the second leghaving a second length less than the first length, and at least onesecond slot defined within the first leg, and a second “L” shapedbracket moveably secured to the first “L” shaped bracket, the second “L”shaped bracket having a third leg and a fourth leg perpendicular to thethird leg, wherein an outer surface of the fourth leg of the second “L”shaped bracket and an inner surface of the second leg of the first “L”shaped bracket define a gap, and wherein the at least one pin is furtherdisposed within the at least one second slot.
 11. The clean statusindicator anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the at least one firstslide component comprises an “L” shaped bracket having a first leg and asecond leg perpendicular to the first leg, wherein the first leg has afirst length and the second leg has a second length less than the firstlength, and wherein the at least one slot is defined within the firstleg.
 12. The clean status indicator anchoring system of claim 11,wherein the at least one first slide component further comprises asecond “L” shaped bracket having a third leg and a fourth legperpendicular to the third leg, wherein the second “L” shaped bracket isadjustably secured to the first “L” shaped bracket, and wherein an outersurface of the fourth leg of the second “L” shaped bracket and an innersurface of the second leg of the first “L” shaped bracket define a gap.13. The clean status indicator anchoring system of claim 1, wherein theat least one first slide component comprises a mounting bracket having atop wall, a bottom wall opposite of the top wall, and a side wall at afirst end of the top wall and the bottom wall, wherein the top wall andthe bottom wall define the at least one slot, wherein at least a firstsupport structure and a second support structure extend through opposingsides of the top wall and the bottom wall, and wherein the at least onesecond slide component comprises an “L” shaped bracket configured toslide within the a least one slot and the at least first supportstructure and the second support structure.
 14. The clean statusindicator anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the controlled degree ofmovement of the dishwasher along the at least first axis is between atleast ⅛^(th) of an inch and 1 inch of fore/aft movement.
 15. A devicehaving a clean status indicator system comprising: the device, whereinthe device comprises a frame with a base, a plurality of feet secured tothe base, a washing compartment within the frame, a door adjacent thewashing compartment, and at least one rack positioned within the washingcompartment; at least one weight sensor secured to at least one of theplurality of feet; at least one temperature sensor in operativecommunication with the device; a housing in operative communication witha visual display, wherein the housing is adjacent the washingcompartment; a controller having a control logic in operativecommunication with a power supply, the at least one weight sensor, theat least one temperature sensor, and the visual display, wherein thecontroller is constructed and arranged to receive data from the at leastone weight sensor and the at least one temperature sensor and analyzethe data from the at least one weight sensor and the at least onetemperature sensor; and at least one first slide component having atleast one slot defined therein, and at least one second slide componentdisposed within the at least one slot configured to move in relation tothe at least one first slide component along at least a first axisextending along a length of the at least one slot, a second axisextending along a width of the at least one slot, and a third axisextending perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, whereinat least one of the at least one first slide component and the at leastone second slide component is secured adjacent to a surface of thedevice and a rigid support structure immediately adjacent the device,and wherein a length of the slot is perpendicular to a top edge of thedevice, and wherein at least one of the at least one first slidecomponent and the at least one second slide component allow for movementof the device along the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis.16. The device having a clean status indicator system of claim 15,wherein the at least one first slide component is rigidly secured to thedevice and the at least one second slide component is secured to therigid support structure immediately adjacent to the device, and whereinthe at least one second slide component is configured to move within theslot to allow for movement of the device along the first axis, thesecond axis, and the third axis.
 17. The device having a clean statusindicator system of claim 15, wherein the at least one first slidecomponent and the at least one second slide component are rigidlysecured to the rigid support structure immediately adjacent to thedevice, and wherein at least a portion of the at least one first slidecomponent fits within a gap defined within the surface of the device andmoves within the gap to allow for the movement of the device along thefirst axis, the second axis, and the third axis.
 18. The device having aclean status indicator system of claim 15, wherein the controlled degreeof movement of the device along the at least first axis is between atleast ⅛^(th) of an inch and 1 inch of fore/aft movement.
 19. A methodfor monitoring a clean/dirty status of a device comprising: securing thedevice to a rigid support structure immediately adjacent to a surface ofthe device using at least one first slide component having at least oneslot defined therein and at least one second slide component disposedwithin the at least one slot, positioning the at least one first slidecomponent so that a length of the at least one slot is perpendicular toa front edge of the device, and wherein the first slide component andthe second slide component allow for movement of the device along afirst axis extending along the length of the at least one slot, a secondaxis extending along a width of the at least one slot, and a third axisperpendicular to the first axis and the second axis; securing at leastone weight sensor to the device; providing at least one temperaturesensor in operative communication with the device; providing a housinghaving a visual display, wherein the housing is adjacent a washingcompartment of the device; providing a controller having a control logicin operative communication with a power supply, the at least one weightsensor, the at least one temperature sensor, and the visual display; andmonitoring at least one condition of the device using the at least oneweight sensor and the at least one temperature sensor and sending dataof the at least one condition to a status logic in the controller andusing the control logic to evaluate whether one or more contents withinthe washing compartment of the device are clean or dirty, and displayinga status of the device on the visual display.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein the at least one slot is constructed and arranged to allowfor a first degree of movement along the first axis, a second degree ofmovement along the second axis, and a third degree of movement along thethird axis, and wherein the first degree of movement is greater than thesecond degree of movement and the third degree of movement.
 21. Themethod of claim 19, further comprising providing a clearance between theat least one second slide component and the at least one slot to atleast one of reduce friction between the at least one second slidecomponent and the at least one slot and to allow for movement of the atleast one second slide component along at least one of the first axis,the second axis, and the third axis.
 22. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising securing at least one third slide component to at least oneof the first slide component, the at least one second slide component,the surface of the device, and the rigid support structure to allow forfurther movement of the device.